One thing Biggar has always demonstrated is a chirpy confidence and Davies acknowledges that’s a real asset for a fly-half.

“Dan is very vocal on the field,” he said.

“That’s important for a 10, because he’s the link between the forwards and backs. He’s the one calling the shots.

“In that sense, the game hasn’t changed that much since my day.

“The outside-half is the one that makes the decisions.

“If it’s slow ball, you kick it. When it’s on to go, go.

“If there’s overlap to left or right, you’ve got to be able to call it.

“International rugby is a lot quicker and you’ve got to be prepared to make decisions that bit quicker.”

Davies – who won 37 Wales caps in two spells either side of a seven-year stay in rugby league – had been expecting interim coach Rob Howley to plump for Biggar.

This week's Focus on Rugby show - our pundits' big match verdict

“Rob had two options,” he said.

“He could go with Biggar, knowing what he would bring, and then if that was not going well he could bring James Hook on after 60 minutes when the game is more open and he could do a little bit of magic.

“Or he could put James in to start with and then if he wasn’t happy put Biggar on.

“It was a tough call.

“In the end, he went with the first option.

“It was up to Rob to make that call. That is what he gets paid for.

“Only he knows what is best for his team and the way he wants to play.

“It’s purely a selection issue based on what he thinks is best.”

Howley has faced a number of big calls as he looks for a change of fortune from his previous games at the helm in place of Warren Gatland.

“I feel for Rob,” said Davies, who played alongside the former No. 9 for both club and country.

“He has been slightly unlucky with his coaching over the last six months.

“Gats gets injured and he has to take over in Australia. Then, in the autumn, it was slightly fragmented, with Gats away for the first two matches and back for the last two.

“There have been games that should have been won, but we didn’t win them.

“Now they are in a pressure situation.

“It’s a big Six Nations for everyone concerned, especially for Rob.

“He hasn’t been helped by injuries to a number of players.

“If everyone is fit and raring to go, it creates an intensity in the training camp. That’s key.

“The intensity may not be that great in the regions, so you are trying to generate that in squad sessions.

“But it’s difficult to achieve that when a lot of players are on the touchline. It’s harder to get that competitive element and that intensity.”

Davies acknowledges that makes life that much harder, but still has a gut feeling that Wales can come out on top.

“It’s a really tough game to call,” he said.

“That is the uncertainty of sport.

“Wales have home advantage, but they have got a lot of injuries,

“I think Ireland go in as slight favourites purely because of the injury situation with Wales.

“But, having spoken to Rob Howley, there is a quiet confidence that Wales’ physical ability and scrum could be dominant.

“So while Ireland start as favourites, I have a sneaking feeling for Wales.

“They can definitely win the game and I do feel there is a little bit of quiet confidence in the Welsh set-up.”

Davies – who was speaking in his role as an HSBC ambassador – is relishing the rugby jamboree that lies ahead over the next seven weeks.

“It’s always the same buzz this time of year,” he said.

“It’s a time when rugby really grabs people’s attention.

“It’s great to see all the media interest in the sport.

“Even my daughter’s school has been doing a Six Nations assembly.

“It’s always a huge tournament and there’s extra incentive this year with a Lions tour coming up.

“There’s great anticipation going into the first weekend. Everyone is looking to start well.

“If you look at the other two matches, then you can pick England and France as likely winners, but it’s very difficult to pick the winner in Cardiff.

“I think it’s going to be a really tight game.

“The scrum will be key. Wales will try and dominate there and impose their physicality behind.

“I think they have taken on board the criticism that people have worked them out, so they might not be so structured.

“Rob always tells them to play with heads up. That is why Rhys Priestland got the nod over previous 10s.

“Now Dan Biggar’s in the shirt and it will be really interesting to see how he goes.”

TV pundit Davies concluded: “It’s a vital game.

“If Wales win, the pressure is off for their next match. If they lose, there will be extra pressure going out to France.

“Both camps appreciate how big this game is.

“It’s a really tough one to call.”

Davies was speaking at a rugby coaching day for disadvantaged young people, organised jointly by HSBC and the Prince’s Trust.

“It’s so humbling to work with these kids,” he said.

“It’s really refreshing and if we can help in some kind of way and inspire them to take up the game that will be great.

“I think rugby can help these young people learn more about courage, teamwork, fair play and respect.

“Those are values and attributes that playing rugby helped me to understand.”

Jonathan Davies is an HSBC ambassador. As proud Principal Partner of The British & Irish Lions on their tour to Australia this summer, HSBC is offering an exclusive 30% discount on the official replica Lions jersey at https://store.lionsrugby.com/ discount

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